I've been teaching English to elementary schoolers here in Hiroshima since November and, starting after New Years, my company has had me teaching trial lessons to drum up students for a few new schools we're opening.

Last week I had a bit of a cold so being my usual super-friendly self was wearing on me a bit. Friday I had a class I was a bit apprehensive about. The list said the students were 5 and 6 years old, and the youngest kids can be kind of delicate to work with when you're a big scary motherfucker like me.

As it turned out, they were big brother and younger sister, and their mom brought their 2-year old little brother to observe the lesson. I needn't have worried.

The class went swimmingly and the mom has high hopes for her kids learning English, so I'm pretty sure we got two sign-ups. The 5- and 6-year olds had a great time in class, and when the girl was shy about singing the name song her brother poked her with encouragement.

But the best came after class was over, while the sales coordinator from my company gave the mom the 20-minute spiel about how our courses are the best and worth the money. I sat down with a few books to read but the three kids had plans of their own. They spontaneously started running around in circles, giggling, the girl chasing the boy and the little fellow chasing them both, with his hands held high in the air, occasionally squealing, "So much fun!" and, "Big sister, this is fun!"

Then the sales guy said, "Hey, Sam, I think there's a class next door, can you maybe read or do something quieter?" So I got the books out and they each dug in. The 2-year old picked up a book about ducks, walked over to me, climbed up into my lap, and pulled my tie every time I quacked.

I'm in LA visiting family and not directly experiencing Juno.

Husband has the day off (I don't, I work from home anyway), and he made us pancakes!

Mrs. Doohickie was named Teacher of the Year at her school today. :)

Ha, Hugh, that's a nice story.

Thanks guys.